Results tagged ‘ Mike Rizzo ’
Nats’ Rizzo proud of his staff
A few hours after the Nationals’ minor league system was named the best in Major League Baseball by Baseball America, general manager Mike Rizzo sent this e-mail to his scouting and player development staff.
From: Mike Rizzo
Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 3:02 PM
Subject: Congratulations
Guys,
A few minutes ago it was announced that Baseball America has ranked the Washington Nationals farm system #1 in baseball. I want to congratulate each and every one of you because this honor belongs to you.
I am well aware that this achievement is the direct result of a Scouting & Player Development staff that is the best in baseball. I want to personally express my thanks for the grueling hours, endless miles, and huge workload you’ve taken on. Your dedication and commitment is reflected in this accomplishment!
I am very proud and enormously appreciative. It is an honor to work with each of you and I look forward to sharing great successes together. You have my respect and my thanks.
Mike
Mike Rizzo
EXECUTIVE VP AND GENERAL MANAGER
Johnson to manage Nats next season
WASHINGTON — The Nationals announced on Monday that they have exercised manager Davey Johnson’s option for the 2012 season.
Johnson took over the position on an interim basis on June 26, three days after Jim Riggleman resigned. Washington went 40-43 under Johnson, finishing third in the National League East — its highest finish since the team moved from Montreal after the 2004 season.
Johnson said being around people in the front office, the Minor League system and Major Leagues are the reasons he wanted to continue to manage the club. Johnson sees himself as a father figure to most of the young players.
“It’s just a great organization. It’s one of the better ones I’ve ever been in, if not the best,” Johnson said. “There is no question that I love baseball. … I thought everything worked pretty good together [with the team]. I think we accomplished a lot of things. I would say the last two or three weeks, when I had kind of mixture of talent that I wanted on the ballclub … that’s when I really felt that there is so much more we can do here, and I need to be here to help see it along.”
Johnson made it clear that his goal in 2012 is win the NL pennant. To do that, the Nats must improve offensively. Johnson felt that his position players struck out too much. He would like to see much more production out of his reserves. Last year, the bench was built on speed and defense. Johnson would like to add power to the bench.
“I wouldn’t have been able to say that last spring,” Johnson said about winning a pennant. “But after being there and seeing the progress the young players made, I think we definitely can contend. I would be sorely disappointed if we didn’t do just that. The talent is there. I like the way we stack up in our division. I’m not just sticking out my chest. My baseball instinct tells me that’s where we need to be. That’s where we need to go and we can get there.”
In 2011, for the second time in his career, Johnson took a big league manager’s job in the middle of a season. He did the same with Cincinnati in 1993, and one season later, his Reds finished atop the NL Central with a .579 winning percentage during the strike-shortened 1994 campaign.
Washington general manager Mike Rizzo said it was an easy choice to hire Johnson as the interim manager in June. Rizzo remembered how Johnson worked with the players during Spring Training.
“The only questions that I had about Davey taking over [were], ‘Did he want to do it? Was his energy level and his focus were going to be there?’ Even as early as Spring Training this year, I saw that he moved around better this year,” Rizzo said. “He always had the fungo in his hands. He was always pounding ground balls to the young guys.
“He had the energy and a bounce in his step that I thought to myself, “Wow, Davey is really into it. He is really fired up for the season.’ It couldn’t have been a smoother, easier decision for me to bring Davey on in midseason. It was just as comfortable and easy decision after the season to pick up the option and make Davey the leader of the ballclub.”
Johnson has skippered five clubs (Nationals, Dodgers, Orioles, Reds, Mets) in 15 seasons, compiling a 1,188-931 record and a .561 career winning percentage that ranks second to only Earl Weaver (.583) among living managers with 10 or more years of experience.
He is one of only six living men to have won a World Series ring as a player and manager, joining Alvin Dark, Joe Girardi, Lou Piniella, Mike Scioscia and Red Schoendienst.
Johnson joined the Nationals as a special assistant to the general manager on Nov. 18, 2009, after managing Team USA to a semifinal berth in the World Baseball Classic.
Kasten happy Nationals were successful in this year’s draft
Stan Kasten said on Thursday the Nationals did a great job by signing most of their top picks — such as third baseman Anthony Rendon and left-hander Matt Purke — from the 2011 First-Year Player Draft.
“Awesome, fantastic,” Kasten said about Washington’s success with this year’s draft. “It’s what you need to do. They are doing it. I’m so proud of [general manager] Mike Rizzo, [assistant general manager] Roy Clark and [scouting director] Kris Kline. They do a great job. It’s exactly what you need to do build a team. You have to do it year in, year out, which they are starting to do. When you do, good things will happen.
“The owners deserve a lot of credit for stepping up. It’s starts with your scouts. People leading that effort — like Mike — there is no group better than them. I think they showed it this year. The owners showed their support. It’s all good. It’s all really positive. They have the makings of a good team here, but even better, a good homegrown team. That’s the best kind of team of all.”
Kasten was at Nationals Park when the club introduced Purke to the media. Kasten found out that Purke wears No. 47 because of his baseball hero, left-hander Tom Glavine. Kasten has a close relationship with Glavine after working together for 16 years in the Braves organization. So Kasten took out his blackberry, called Glavine and had him talk to Purke.
“They talked today,” Kasten said. “It was fun for Tommy and fun for Matt, who was sky high after that. It was real easy to do. I said to Matt, ‘Here’s Tommy.’ And Tommy was happy to do it.”
Kasten was the Nationals’ president from 2006 until last year. Under his leadership, the Nationals started replenishing their farm system by drafting and signing players such as right-hander Stephen Strasburg and outfielder Bryce Harper.
Kasten declined to say why he was in the DC area.
Nats’ Purke to be introduced to media Thursday
Left-hander Matt Purke, the third-round pick in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft, will be introduced by the Nationals during a Thursday afternoon press conference.
Purke received a Major League contract Monday night and was put on the 40-man roster. It was reported that Purke received a four-year, $4.4 million deal, but a source said the deal is less than the reported dollar figure.
The left-hander has the ability of a top-round talent — and was selected No. 14 overall by the Rangers in 2009, coming out of high school — but he came with injury concerns.
Purke had a dominant freshman season that saw him go 21-1 for Texas Christian University, but elbow bursitis shut down the sophomore after 11 starts this season.
Before agreeing to terms, Purke took a physical and pitched in front of general manager Mike Rizzo and a member of his staff. Purke showed that he was healthy and the team was willing to sign him.
“[Purke] was so open and honest about what he went through,” Rizzo said Monday. “He allowed us full access to him. Not many Draft choices allow you to do an MRI or arthrogram and shoot dye into the bodies for us to get a clear evaluation of their status.”
Nats who could be traded before deadline
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo recently said he is looking to acquire starting pitching and “two-way” position players before the non-waiver trade deadline, which is July 31st.
Below is a list of current Nationals players Rizzo could trade to get what he wants.
Roger Bernadina, CF — Some key members of the Nationals organization see Bernadina as a corner outfielder, but with Bryce Harper possibly coming to the big leagues as early as next year, one wonders if there is any room for Bernadina. Harper is expected to start his big-league career in left field.
Sean Burnett, LHP — As recently as two weeks ago, the Yankees had their eyes on Burnett, but it seems hard to believe the Nationals would trade him because manager Davey Johnson said he would like to have two lefties out of the bullpen.
Tyler Clippard, RHP — Opposing teams are interested in Clippard — and for good reason. He is clearly Washington’s best reliever. However, Rizzo has to be blown away to trade the right-hander. A quality leadoff hitter and a starting pitcher would be nice in exchange for Clippard.
Todd Coffey, RHP – Teams like the Rangers have had their eyes on Coffey for quite some time, however, since June 1, Coffey has allowed 11 runs in 15 2/3 innings.
Tom Gorzelanny, LHP -– When he is on, Gorzelanny will get a lot of strikeouts. When he struggles, the ball goes out of the park most of the time.
Ian Desmond, SS – He has been outstanding defensively, but has struggled mightily at the plate. The Nationals have a Plan B if Desmond continues to struggle. They would promote Steve Lombardozzi to the big league to play to second base and move Danny Espinosa from second to shortstop, his original position.
Jerry Hairston Jr., INF, OF — His best work came while filling in for third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who missed more than two months of the season because of abdominal problems. A playoff team could use Hairston for its bench.
Livan Hernandez, RHP — If a team needs a pitcher with playoff experience, Hernandez is the guy. There are days when he is unhittable and other days when he is throwing batting practice.
Jesus Flores, C – Opposing teams look at Flores as a project. After missing almost two years of action because of a shoulder injury, Flores still looks rusty. Scouts believe he doesn’t have the arm strength to throw out opposing base stealers.
Jason Marquis, RHP – Marquis said he would like to stay with the Nationals and get a multi-year deal. But with Chien-Ming Wang, Stephen Strasburg and Brad Peacock on the way, one has to believe Marquis will be one of the first to be dealt before the deadline.
Laynce Nix, OF/1B – His value is higher than ever. For the first time in his career, Nix is playing every day and is the second best hitter on the team behind Michael Morse. Nix also is an above average outfielder
Ivan Rodriguez, C – He is eligible to come off the disabled list late this week. The question is, does Pudge have enough in the tank to help a playoff contender? Behind the plate? Yes. As a hitter, Rodriguez has a .214 betting average with two homers and 19 RBIs.
Rizzo issued statement about field conditions at Pfitzner Stadium
A few hours after Class A Potomac canceled its doubleheader against Kinston, general manager Mike Rizzo issued a statement Thursday night about the field conditions at Pfitzner Stadium in Virginia.
“The Washington Nationals would never consider asking our players, or those of our opponents, to play on a field that we believe represents a safety threat,” Rizzo said. “The Nationals have repeatedly requested that dangerous field conditions be addressed under the supervision of Major League Baseball.
“Recent unsupervised work has resulted in a field that is even more dangerous. We regret any inconvenience this may cause to fans of the Potomac Nationals, but we know they join us in wanting only the best for our players.”
Potomac’s field has been an issue at times this season, prompting the club to rip up the grass in right field and add a new layer of fresh sod last week. Wednesday and Thurday’s rainout did little to help the new turf.
Danny Wild of MLB.com contributed to this report.
Rizzo must decide on manager
General manager Mike Rizzo is expected to name a new skipper for the rest of the season no later than Monday.
It’s only speculation, but one has to assume that third-base coach Bo Porter and bench coach John McLaren are candidates.
Porter interviewed for the job after the 2009 season, but Jim Riggleman ended up being named the permanent manager. Porter is considered one of the reasons Washington has improved its defense this season.
McLaren, who is currently the interim skipper, managed the Mariners in 2007 and ’08. The team was 66-88 under his leadership. As a member of the Nationals, McLaren would take over the managerial duties once Riggleman was ejected from a game.
The Nationals could also turn to Randy Knorr, who has moved up the ladder in the Nationals’ Minor League system. He managed Class A Potomac and guided them to the 2008 Carolina League Mills Cup.
Last year, Knorr guided Double-A Harrisburg to the Wild Card Western Division Championship. Knorr is currently managing Triple-A Syracuse.
Knorr, a Minor League manager dating back to 2005, also has the distinction of managing Ryan Zimmerman, Drew Storen and Stephen Strasburg before they reached the big leagues.
Rizzo could turn to Bobby Valentine, who was a finalist before Riggleman was named permanent manager.
Valentine has .510 winning percentage (1,117-1,072) in 15 seasons while managing the Mets and Rangers. His best year was in 2000, when he guided the Mets to the World Series. Valentine also managed in Japan, guiding Chiba Lotte to the 2005 Japan Series title.
Q&A with Nationals GM Mike Rizzo
Before watching his team defeat Orioles, 8-4, and improve their record to 34-36 on Friday night, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo spoke to MLB.com about the team’s recent success and plans for the future.
MLB.com: How do you think the Nationals are doing so far?
Mike Rizzo: I think we are playing good, solid baseball. I think we accomplished a lot of things. We were a poor defensive team the last couple of years. I think we drastically improved our team defensively. Our speed and athleticism has drastically improved. We were toward the bottom of the league in stolen bases and going from first to third. We are now doing all of those things.
Our starting pitching has been good It’s coming along really nicely. I think that coincides with the improved defense. Our bullpen has been solid. We feel that we are on the right track, we are going the right way.
Our hitting has been down this year and it has cost us a lot of ballgames, but when you are without Ryan Zimmerman and Adam LaRoche, your three and five hitters for most of the season, it’s really hard to have a productive lineup. We are hoping that when Zim is [back to being the player of old], we hope to see more consistent at-bats and score more runs.
MLB.com: Before Zimmerman came back, the team was off to a slow start offensively. Why didn’t you panic and try to acquire a hitter via trade?
Rizzo: To panic shows a lack of confidence in the rest of the players. It would have been easy not to give Laynce Nix and Michael Morse a chance to perform or make a knee-jerk trade and give up a lot of young players for instant gratification. But we have a vision for not only this year, but down the road. That’s the biggest reason.
We have confidence in our entire roster. Coming into the season, we felt that we had as good a bench as anybody around with Nix, Jerry Hairston and Alex Cora. Unfortunately, those guys couldn’t be bench players. They had to be everyday players for us. What it did was, it gave opportunities. If you remember, when Zim went down, I said, “We are not looking at losing one of our star players. We are looking at it as an opportunity for somebody to step up. I think Morse and Nix have done that. We are reaping the benefits of it. Now that Zim is back, we feel comfortable.
MLB.com: Entering Friday’s action, the Nationals are 5 ½ games behind the Braves in the Wild Card race. Do you think the Nationals can compete for a playoff spot?
Rizzo: We feel we can compete with any team in baseball We are not worried about the Wild Card or how many games back in the standings right now. We are worried about tonight’s game against the Orioles. Our first order of business is to play good consistent baseball. We have to get a rhythm offensively, stay consistent defensively and pitch well. We think the standings will take care of themselves.
MLB.com: What is your biggest need right now?
Rizzo: Like any ballclub that we talk to, we are always looking to improve our starting pitching. We want front of the rotation guys. We are always looking to do that. We are always looking to improve ourselves with two-way players — offensively and defensively. We feel that is going to be our strength. That’s what we are always looking to acquire.
MLB.com: What about the leadoff position. Do you see Jayson Werth as a leadoff hitter long term?
Rizzo: I see Jayson as a middle of the order hitter. We would like someone within the ballclub or organization to step up and be that guy. If we can’t find that guy within the organization, we will look elsewhere.
MLB.com: What is the biggest disappointment you have this season?
Rizzo: The biggest disappointed is that we had some key injuries like every other team. When you lose players like Zimmerman, LaRoche and a potential No. 1 starter [Stephen Strasburg], those are things that effect your ballclub. I think that has been the most disappointment that we had.
MLB.com: What about the most exciting thing you have seen so far?
Rizzo: It is watching the development of these young players. The development of Wilson Ramos, Danny Espinosa and Ian Desmond has been unbelievable. The emergence of Jordan Zimmermann has been great to see.
MLB.com: The way the Nationals have been playing lately, are they buyers or sellers?
Rizzo: We are both buyers and sellers. We always have been, always will be. If we have a chance to acquire a player that is going to help us in 2011 and beyond, we are not going to shy away from that. If there is a trade to be made that will help us down the road, we will trade a player away to get a piece for the future. But we are not in sell mode. There are a lot of games to play, a lot of games to win. We are here to win games.
MLB.com: You pointed out recently that the Nationals had a great draft. How are you doing in terms of signing those players?
Rizzo: I think we are doing quite well. After negotiating with them, we have about 15 players with contracts pending. We are in communication with our upper picks. We feel that optimistic to get those guys signed. If we do, we feel we have the best draft in baseball.
MLB.com: You announced at Citi Field that outfielder Bryce Harper will not be in the big leagues this year. How is he doing in your mind at Class A Hagerstown?
Rizzo: He is a terrific player. His developmental curve is going quite well. He starting to get acclimated to the everydayness of professional baseball. He loves playing every day. His skills are going to take care of themselves. He is learning to play the outfield. He is much more fundamentally sound on the aspects of playing the outfield – angles, throws and those type of things. His bat has been great.
MLB.com: Once you are satisfied by what you have seen, can you say where Harper will go next?
Rizzo: I cannot say that. I will say that we are develop him at a pace that most benefits him in the long term. He is a special player. He will be developed at a rate that allows him to be an impactful guy.
MLB.com: How has manager Jim Riggleman done so far?
Rizzo: Jim has been great. He has the players playing hard for 27 outs each and every night — even when we had some down times. Through the good and the bad, he grinds it out every day and gives a good days’ work.
MLB.com: He has an option left on his contract. Would you want him back for next year if things continue to go well?
Rizzo: The option year is communicated between Jim and I. I’m with Jim every day. We continually talk about a lot of different things. We are going to let the season play on. We will address it when it needs to be addressed. Right now, it’s all about baseball, it all about winning games and about playing the Baltimore Orioles.
Nationals looking into remarks made by Houchins
On Wednesday, the last day of the First-Year Player Draft, Nationals scouting director Kris Kline was talking about Zach Houchins’ abilities as a hitter. Houchins, a shortstop from North Carolina, was the team’s 15th round pick. He already has made a commitment to East Carolina University.
On Thursday, however, local reporters were trying to get the team’s reaction to racial remarks made by Houchins on his Twitter account, which was deleted later that night.
“We’re aware of, and are investigating, the statements,” general manager Mike Rizzo said through a team spokesman.
Nats’ Eckstein remains silent with media
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo has instructed hitting coach Rick Eckstein not to talk to the media.
In the last week, members of the Washington media have attempted to talk to Eckstein about the team’s problems at the plate, but they have been turned down. Entering Friday’s action, the team is hitting .229, which ranks 29th in the Major Leagues.
According to people with knowledge of the situation, the reason for Eckstein’s silence is because Rizzo doesn’t want Eckstein to blame himself for the problems at the plate. Rizzo is one of Eckstein’s biggest supporters.
Rizzo also believes members of the media would not talk to Eckstein if the team was hitting well at the plate. Instead, they would talk only to the players.
Eckstein is considered one of the hardest working coaches in baseball. In fact, outfielder Jayson Werth said recently, “Ecky sleeps and drinks baseball.”
Before going on the disabled list because of a shoulder injury, first baseman Adam LaRoche said the team’s hitting woes were not Eckstein’s fault.
“It’s not easy for him at all. It might be harder on him than it is an individual hitter,” LaRoche said. “The entire team feels responsible. He has done everything he could possibility do to get guys on track. He spends more time watching video. He goes in the batter’s box to just to mimic player’s swings just to get a feeling in the batter’s box.”
It’s not known how long Eckstein will remain silent. Calls to Rizzo were not returned and Eckstein was not available for comment.
Eckstein has been Washington’s hitting coach since 2009. That year, Washington was tied for sixth in the National League with a .258 batting average.
Last year, the Nationals were tied for ninth in the NL with a .250 batting average.
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